Serial console access to SNS-3595 for quick CIMC configuration?

[Arne Bier]

Hi

Is it possible to configure a SNS-3595 via a serial console cable to configure the initial CIMC config via CLI? 

If so, what is the baud rate, XON/XOFF etc.  - and is this using with a standard blue (null modem) Cisco rolled cable?

I worked on UCS C series servers many moons ago and I struggled to connect my Cisco rolled/rollover console cable to a UCS server. It may have been that the CIMC comes with that port disabled at factory.  Not sure

I have not had the pleasure of working with SNS-3595 yet (I have been lucky to only deal with VM installs). 

But I have a customer with 6 servers and I was wondering if anyone out there has been able to perform such a CIMC prep using the serial console.

I like the UCS CIMC command line interface.  It saves me having to faff around with USB keyboards and VGA monitor cables etc.  I can also copy and paste all the commands I need into the CLI.  And once that initial config is done I will of course manage the CIMC via the Ethernet management port etc.

thanks in advance

Arne

[Nidhi]

Hi Arne,

From our CLI guide-  https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/security/ise/2-4/cli_guide/b_ise_CLIReferenceGuide_24/b_ise_CLIReferenceGuide_24_chapter_00.html

"

If you need to configure Cisco ISE locally without connecting to a wired Local Area Network (LAN), you can connect a system to the console port in the Cisco ISE device by using a null-modem cable. The serial console connector (port) provides access to the Cisco ISE CLI locally by connecting a terminal to the console port. The terminal is a system running terminal-emulation software or an ASCII terminal. The console port (EIA/TIA-232 asynchronous) requires only a null-modem cable.

• To connect a system running terminal-emulation software to the console port, use a DB-9 female to DB-9 female null-modem cable.

• To connect an ASCII terminal to the console port, use a DB-9 female to DB-25 male straight-through cable with a DB-25 female to DB-25 female gender changer.

The default parameters for the console port are 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no hardware flow control. "

Thanks,

Nidhi

[Arne Bier]

Hi @Nidhi - oh ok. So the RJ-45 console port on the chassis ties to the operating system, and not to the CIMC.

When I read the SNS-3595 install guide I was confused

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/security/ise/2-0-1/install_guide/b_ise_InstallationGuide201/b_ise_InstallationGuide201_chapter_01.html#id_11053

I was hoping to access the CIMC in the most simple manner possible (i.e. not needing a keyboard or monitor).  I suppose I could connect the servers to a VLAN that has DHCP and then monitor the DHCP server to see what IP's it hands out.  And then perhaps ssh to that IP. 

thanks

[Damien Miller]

I carry around a USB KVM with me if i'm going in to a DC.
https://www.startech.com/Server-Management/KVM-Switches/USB-Crash-Cart-Adapter~NOTECONS02

[Arne Bier]

very fancy - you can send me one as a Christmas gift ;-)  I don't work much with servers to warrant buying such a device.  Much rather prefer vSphere :)

[hslai]

This might work -- Smart Access: Serial

[Arne Bier]

Thanks @hslai - next time I am in front of a server I will try this.  If anyone else beats me to it then please report back :-)